Over the last few days, there were a lot of rumors in the online media outlets that Metallica was set to play “Enter Sandman” live at Yankee Stadium to honor Mariano Rivera on his special day. They were playing the Apollo Theater in Harlem the night before, so they were already in town. Those rumors were confirmed yesterday, as a concert stage was set up in front of Yankee Stadium’s Monument Park. And they put on quite a performance. This is the best footage I could find (I’ll update it if I can find something better):

The 2013 MLB All-Star Game may decide whether the AL or NL receives home field advantage in the World Series, but there was a bigger story that night. At least, for us Yankees fans. Mariano Rivera jogged out of the bullpen in the 8th inning (a decision by AL manager Jim Leyland to make sure he would make it into the game) to a stirring tribute. Metallica’s “Enter Sandman” blared through the stadium, as a rousing applause and standing ovation came from both the players and fans to one of the game’s greatest players. Rivera tipped his cap graciously to the crowd and his fellow all-stars, giving everyone a memory that they will never forget. Mariano proceeded to toss a 1-2-3 8th inning and the American League went onto win the game 3-0. To top it off, Rivera received the All-Star Game MVP Award, becoming the first reliever to ever receive that honor. Mariano delivered a speech at the end of the game, thanking the fans and stated, “You guys almost made me cry.”

Since bursting onto the scene in the 1995 ALDS versus the Mariners, Mariano Rivera has been nothing short of spectacular. After a decade and a half of sheer excellence, it almost becomes hard not to take Rivera for granted. We all know the drill, Enter Sandman, 2 or 3 broken bats on the cutter, perhaps a flare hit or two, and the vast majority of the time Rivera is walking off the mound shaking Jorge’s hand after another Yankees victory. However, the most amazing part of Mo’s career is that arguably at the ripe age of 40, he is having the best season of his HOF career, yet somehow it is flying under the radar. Let’s look at the numbers.

His ERA this season is 1.18, which would be the lowest of his 16 year career (previous low 1.38 ERA in 2005)

His WHIP this season is 0.723, which would be the 2nd lowest of his career (previous low 0.665 WHIP in 2008)

Mo has a 341 ERA+ this year which is the best of his career (previous best was in 2008 with a 319 ERA+). To put that number into perspective, Mo’s career 205 ERA+ is the all-time leader!

Thus far, Mo has only allowed 1 HR in 45.2 IP this year. His previous low was in 2005 when he allowed 2 HR in 78.1 IP or 1 HR/39 IP.

Currently Mo is allowing 5.1 H/9 which would be the lowest of his career. (previous best 5.2 H/9 in 2008)

Mo’s career splits versus LHB is .205 AVG/.256 OBP/.261 SLG and against RHB .214/.268/.319. This season Mariano versus RHB (granted small sample size: 86 AB) is .128/.176/.186. In those 86 AB he has allowed only 11 hits with 27 Ks and only 2 BB.

Strong arguments can also be made for 1996 being Mo’s best year (highest single season WAR – 5.4 with 107 IP and a 2.09 ERA) as can the 2004, 2005 or 2008. No matter which you pick however, they’re all tremendous seasons put together by the greatest reliever of all-time. So which do you think is Rivera’s best ever? I’ll say 2010.

ESPN E:60 is airing a piece on Mariano Rivera in this week’s show. He goes back to Panama and talks about his upbringing. He also talks about the most dominant pitch in the history of baseball…”The Kotter” (as Mariano pronounces it).

From Andy Hall (ESPN Communications):

ESPN E:60 Presents: Yankees Pitcher Mariano Rivera Revealed

Mariano Rivera, considered one of the greatest closers in Major League Baseball history, has seldom opened up about his private life. On Tuesday, May 11, at 7 p.m. ET, ESPN’s Emmy Award-winning, primetime newsmagazine E:60 will air an in-depth profile of the New York Yankees ace. E:60’s Tom Rinaldi, with unprecedented access, traveled into his world, including visiting Rivera’s home, favorite restaurant and his birthplace in Puerto Caimito, Panama.

“The vast majority of baseball fans, despite his long established fame and greatness, have never even seen him outside of uniform. It struck us that despite the fact that he may be the greatest relief pitcher of all time, and the only man in history to close and win the World Series five times, there was an air of mystery about him. He is remarkably without air or entitlement of any kind. He’s one of the most respectful and polite people – let alone athletes I had the pleasure to meet. When asked to describe his job, he said that it’s like working for a town and everyone in the township giving you their earnings. You’re either going to invest their savings and give them a return or blow it.” – Tom Rinaldi

Rivera on the difference in getting a final out and a final out in the World Series…

“Getting the final out is great, the final out in the World Series is ‘wow, we’re champions!'” We did it.”

On his success…

“Amazing. Unbelievable. I still don’t understand how it happened. Yes, I have abilities, but there were far better players than me.

“My confidence never changed because I know who I trust and I know who I am. When you have that kind of attitude and mentality it doesn’t matter the outcomes. Sometimes you’re going to lose, a lot of times you’re going to win.”

On the imprint he hopes to leave…

“That imprint has to be that I did everything within my power to help others, to do the right thing for the NY Yankees, for my teammates, my family and that alone, I’ll be happy with that.”